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Gemella endocarditis: consider the colon

Susan F FitzGerald1, Anne C Moloney, Brian J Maurer

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. suzyfitz@eircom.net

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Gemella morbillorum, a common oral bacterium, can cause rare but serious infections like infective endocarditis. This study highlights a link between Gemella endocarditis and underlying colon cancer, suggesting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Bacteriology

Background:

  • Gemella species are commensal oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal flora.
  • Distinguishing Gemella from viridans streptococci can be challenging in laboratory settings.
  • While typically avirulent, Gemella species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens.

Observation:

  • A case of Gemella morbillorum native valve endocarditis is presented.
  • The endocarditis case was associated with an undiagnosed colonic carcinoma.
  • Previous literature describes a similar association between Gemella endocarditis and colonic neoplasia.

Findings:

  • Gemella morbillorum can cause infective endocarditis, often following dental procedures.
  • A significant association exists between Gemella endocarditis and underlying colonic malignancy.
  • This association mirrors the known link between Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and colonic neoplasia.

Implications:

  • Colonic neoplasm should be investigated in patients with Gemella endocarditis when no other source is identified.
  • This finding expands the spectrum of bacteria associated with colonic malignancy-related endocarditis.
  • Awareness of this association may improve diagnostic yield and patient outcomes for Gemella endocarditis.

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